Controls

[Chuck Pool]

Hello to all:
How does Accurite, CamSoft, Centroid and Prototrack cnc controls systems compare? How to they stack up against each other?
Thanks.
Chuck
poolchuck@yahoo.com

[NC Cams]

Posed similar question about Accurite and Centroid on other M/B's weeks ago. Still waiting for replies - got none. Either nobody is using them (hardly) or the folks using them do not visit DIY CNC websites, or they are too busy using them to mess with the internet. Can't decide....

Accurite and Centroid are high end and not inexpensive systems. These 2 fit my needs/requirments quite well so I homed in on them. Camsoft was looked at long ago but its "package" seemed to be too much of a programming system as opposed to a bolt it together and run sort of deal like the Centroid and Anilam/Accurite.

Ultimately, situations changed and I had to repair instead of replace my controller on my mill so I didn't make the plunge. But here's by take:

Cost wise, Accurite and Centroid were compatible. In light of the DIY aspect of AjaxCNC (Centroid system you can bolt in yourself) I found that system to have a bit more charm for one particular project. However, The data package I got from Accurite, was phenomenal and led me to believe that either would have functioned well. Centroid seems to be a "dealer/integrator installed" piece. The Anilam system was offered as a DIY system and the instruction packet I got led me to believe that a computer literate person with decent electromechanical experience could easily install it.

Both systems DO NOT use Windows which I found desireable. The Centroid uses a high end PC while the Anilam/Accurite has thier own controller Accurite is using what I understood to be a dos base back plane (you can't access dos however) with a proprietary machine code system that runs the PLC that they've intergrated with it. Centroid is using linux/unix type system that drives their PLC/interface card if memory serves correct.

Can't speak intelligently about other one....

In light of the high end nature of the 4 you're looking at, I'd shop for a good integrator - he'll perhaps make more of a difference than the system when it all shakes out...

[Chuck Pool]

Thank you.
Chuck

[drill]

prototrak cheap $7000/ accurite awsome but $14000 not to familar with centroid the accurite can take dxf and g code it is very easy and fast

[NC Cams]

Centroid from an integrator was $10K to $14K depending on ginger bread.

AjaxCNc (Centroid hdwe and software) starts at about $3k DIY and you add as you want/need.

If you build and tune it (Ajax) yourself, you can service it yourself which means a lot if you are bucks down - pita if you have to make parts while fixing/building.

No free lunches, sadly...

[Chuck Pool]

NC CAMS:
When you say "integrator" do you mean sales rep.?
Chuck

[NC Cams]

No.

In my mind, a sales rep takes the order and ships the box to you. When you call him/her, they shuffle you off to a "technician" at a different extension or facility to handle the service issues.

An "integrator" is an experienced organization that installs and services and "tunes" the system.

You want to deal with somebody who KNOWS the hardware, not somebody who's getting a comission for moving the meat....

If you're buying a kit, I'd strongly consider AjaxCNC. It is Centroid in a DIY box/kit format - sort of the Heathkit stereo of the new millenium. Might check out the group on this M/B and ask around for experiences/horror stories (for Ajax or anybody else's systems).

[DareBee]

I can't help with the comparison but I would suggest that you check out the Fagor control as well, if yopu are looking at the higher end.
I really like the one on my lathe.